Steven J. Morse (born July 28, 1954 in Hamilton, Ohio) is an American guitarist, best known as the guitarist for the Dixie Dregs and the current guitar player in Deep Purple [the band was originally formed in England and most band members were British].

Morse's career has encompassed rock, country, funk, jazz, classical, and fusions of these musical genres. In addition to a thriving solo career, he enjoyed a brief stint with Kansas. Morse has been a member of Deep Purple since 1994.

from stevemorse.com : interview that was given by Morse to the Argentinian music magazine 'El Musiquero'in March 1997.

El Musiquero: "I observed you from afar while you had lunch and I noticed you didn't eat meat; are you a vegetarian?"
Steve Morse: "Yes, totally. It's an election. It has to do with the mind and spirit more than with a neatly ecological question. I like to eat vegetables, I feel good with that kind of alimentation. I could eat meat, but don't ask me then to go and do a show...it strikes you like a bomb!"